YUBA COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The sounds of freedom echoed across Yuba County skies this past weekend as Beale Air Force Base hosted its first Air and Space Expo in seven years. To kick the expo off, Marysville welcomed what might have been the city’s biggest celebration yet in Veterans Park on Friday, June 6.

“It’s hard to believe this is even Marysville right now,” said Megan Thayer, board member of the Southwest Council of Airshows and volunteer coordinator for Beale’s event. “Such a cool thing for the local community.”

Under the shade of palm trees, residents met with the elite Thunderbird crew, making their first appearance in the Yuba-Sutter area since 2011. Fans of all ages lined up for autographs, while Mobility, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, played a high-energy set of modern and classic hits. Friday also served as DoD and Media Day, offering military families and VIPs a sneak peek at the weekend’s aerial spectacle. As early as 9 a.m., the Thunderbirds were already cutting across the sky in a special rehearsal flight.

“It was a good day,” said Major Laney “Rogue” Schol, also known as Thunderbird 6 and currently the team’s only female pilot. “In the morning, we actually practiced our normal formation flying. We don’t usually get that many reps in.”

This year’s air show marked a historic first for the Thunderbirds: the debut of pyrotechnics in their routine. The team used the rehearsal day to fine-tune the timing and spacing for this new feature. Schol also said that the extra practice enabled the team to fly closer together than ever before and by the afternoon, they had a somewhat rare chance to practice a five-ship show.

“We have multiple types of shows, some weather-based, some contingency-based,” said maintenance officer Capt. Natalee Winton. “We don’t often get to rehearse the contingency flights. So doing a five-ship show was a good rep for us. We’re always chasing perfection.”

Regarding the pyrotechnic debut, Winton noted that the team is still refining how best to integrate it.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever done it and that was our trial of getting it approved to incorporate more often in the future,” said Winton. “If we’re going to add something like pyro, it has to serve a function.”

Thunderbird performances are known not just for their aerial precision but for the emotional narrative behind them, often supported by music, dedications or carefully timed announcements. The team plans to further experiment with pairing pyrotechnics with specific maneuvers for added impact.

One of the most honored participants this year was Nevada County Veterans Services Officer David West, named the show’s “Hometown Hero.” Known as a former Marine who once experienced homelessness, West has since led statewide efforts to support fellow veterans. Under his leadership, California doubled its veteran funding and helped secure millions in benefits working to reduce homelessness among veterans in the process. During Friday’s preview, West got the ride of a lifetime aboard Thunderbird 8 with pilot “Prime.”

“I got to go on the craziest roller coaster ride I’ve ever been on,” said West who was noticeably out of breath. “It was fun, it was scary and I’m just so humbled and honored.”

Saturday’s official opening day drew thousands through the gates in an orderly rush to witness nearly two dozen aerial performances in under four hours. While the Thunderbirds were the main event, other crowd favorites included legendary stunt pilot Vicky Benzing, world-renowned Australian aerobatic champion Aarron Deliu and comic skits from airshow veteran Eric Tucker.

“What I love about the air show industry is that we’re all here volunteering our time, first, to live our passion, because we just love flying but also to pass that spark on to others,” said Deliu. “It’s like the Olympic torch; you pass the flame on and on. That’s my goal.”

Guests were also treated to a ground-level experience with dozens of military aircraft, artillery vehicles and armored trucks on display resembling a “Touch-a-Truck” event supersized for all ages.

“I didn’t realize I’d be this excited,” said resident Tyler Zepp after climbing down from a KC-135 Stratotanker. “I knew the kids would like it but this is fun for me, too.”

Inside the hangars, families found even more hands-on activities. Children scaled climbing walls and bounced on bungee trampolines, while parents explored exhibits on Beale’s environmental ecosystem and historic weapons. A crowd favorite was the free 4D simulator “Shadow Strike,” which immersed visitors in the sights, sounds and motion of an Air Force mission.

“It’s amazing to see all the different parts of base and community come together for this,” said Lt. Col. Gordon, the show’s director and resident U-2 and T-38 pilot. “We started with a small team, and now we’ve got 500 to 600 people helping out.”

Planning for this event took nearly two years, according to Gordon, who emphasized his appreciation for the team and the people he worked with.

“I grew up wanting to fly. Even if I won the lottery, I couldn’t do what I do anywhere else,” Gordon added. “It’s absolutely spectacular.”

Sunday wrapped up the weekend with more high-powered performances and booming pyrotechnics. One of the most surprising acts came from a red MiG-15, a Russian-built fighter aircraft with a modified Rolls-Royce engine, followed by the thunderous blasts of an F-18 “Rhino’s” streaking through the sky. Spectators either packed the flight line or found shade under the wings of nearby aircraft.

As the show came to a close, Lt. Col. Jonathan “Huggy” Huggins, a civilian air show announcer and longtime U-2 and T-38 instructor pilot, took a moment to reflect on what it all meant, not just for Beale but for the entire Yuba-Sutter community.

“We had some pretty amazing acts out there,” Huggins said. “The goal is to bring out the smiles and I hope people found themselves well entertained.”